Tuesday, August 27, 2019
As of August 21, nearly 100 cases of severe pulmonary disease have been reported in multiple states. Patients all reported recent use of vaping products containing either nicotine or THC in the weeks leading up to presentation. Cases have reported various symptoms upon presentation, including: headache, pleuritic chest pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, shortness of breath, fever, cough, nausea and weight loss. Most cases have required hospitalization, with some requiring ventilators. It is unclear at this point if the illnesses are associated with the vaping devices themselves, or with any contaminants inhaled through them. Clinicians are encouraged to remain alert for potential cases.